The Conservation Society of Pohnpei is involved in various programs and activities to ensure that the beauty of the natural environment of the island continues for future generations to enjoy and benefit from.
The Conservation Society currently is involved with some projects. The first one is meant to assist the Lenger Community-Managed Marine Protected area. The Conservation Society is creating fact sheets and tour brochures to promote the marine reserve to tourists and distributing these brochures and fact sheets yo all hotels on the island.
A second conservation activity the society is involved with is the setting up of a sponge farm for the communities to generate revenue. Once the farm is operational, the Society hopes to include it in the States Marine Sanctuary and Wildlife Act, so it could be a tourist site and a protected area at the same time. In addition, in order to ensure conservation and sustainable tourism for the future, the Society has created an awareness and educational program for children. It has partnered itself with six elementary schools, and has so far offered courses to 439 students that have been developing various cultural activities with conservation themes to be presented at the annual Cultural Festival.
The Conservation Society of Pohnpei recognizes that without sustainable tourism, the environment of their island could receive multiple causalities. This is why the Society is developing a strategy to attract sustainable tourists to the islands. So far, they have helped to produce a brochure, "Pohnpei--An Ecotourist's Delight." This brochure will combine eye-catching, informative, accurate material at low cost, in order to try to target responsible tourism.
Information provided in this section can be attributed to the following:
Tevita Salato, General Manager, Pohnpei Visitor's Bureau
Alissa R. Takesy, Environmental Awareness Specialist, Conservation Society of Pohnpei